TECH TEACHERS CONNECT WITH SUMMER STUDENTS

Students log onto more than computers when they take a class from Technology Instructors RaLynn Harris and Sydney Walker Freedman. The former FBC SHARP participants are solid links of inspiration for students who are blind and visually impaired striving to achieve independence.

Blind since birth as a result of retinopathy of prematurity, Sydney has utilized most of the Foundation for Blind Children’s services including the Infant and Preschool Programs; the Media Center’s brailling services; and the Independent Living Training Program.

RaLynn Harris (left) and Sydney Freedman

Entering her junior year at St. Olaf College in Minnesota this fall, Sydney enjoys teaching computer skills to teens at the FBC.

“There is nothing more exciting to me than watching a student make progress and understand concepts,” the Scottsdale resident said. “It makes me so happy when I see the proverbial light bulb go on in a student’s mind. That’s what keeps me going.”

RaLynn agrees.

“I’ve worked with several FBC classes over the summers and it’s great to see them a few years later and learn about their progress,” she said. “It’s so rewarding to see a student who isn’t very comfortable using a computer develop their skills and blossom after a few weeks in the program.”

The Phoenix resident, who is legally blind due to bilateral coloboma of the retina, is a Special Education teacher at Cactus Wren Elementary School in the Washington School District. RaLynn shops at the FBC Store and occasionally takes out books in braille from the Media Center.

On the topic of independence, both young women share valuable insights.

“One of the most important, and perhaps most difficult, things to learn is that no one is completely independent,” Sydney said. “There will always be things to improve upon, areas where we need help. And this is true whether a person is blind or sighted. One should not get discouraged if he/she cannot do something well or is simply having a bad day, losing or spilling things. Part of being independent is realizing that we sometimes need help and that it’s all right to ask. Interdependence is just as important as independence.”

Although RaLynn believes individuals who are blind or visually impaired should ask for help when they need it, she also feels they “should not be afraid to take risks.”

“Sometimes, people are afraid of the unknown, of doing things on their own, and of not exploring their environment,” she explained. “It’s in these moments, when you find yourself a little disoriented and out of your comfort zone, that you are really able to learn about yourself and what it takes to be independent.”

Both teachers are grateful for their summer opportunities.

“I enjoy teaching during the summer,” RaLynn said. “It provides me with an opportunity to work in a position where I am able to combine my passion for teaching with my love for technology. Working with the children here is a big reason why I choose to work at the FBC.”

Sydney considers her summer experience to be a learning one.

“Even though I am a teacher, I am a slow learner,” she explained. “My students teach me, time and time again, to be patient, not to give up, and that hard work pays off.”

by Rich Kenney

July 12, 2007